Chemistry MChem Honours

This professionally accredited degree provides a firm foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry in your first three years. It includes a year of advanced study at the master's level and is a good basis for a PhD or career in research.

Chemistry touches every part of our lives. From food and medicine to biotechnology and renewable energy, its influence is endless. As a Chemist, you can have a great career and make a difference in the world.

Our MChem degree follows the normal BSc curriculum, plus a further year of advanced study. The MChem programme is perfect for those pursuing a career in scientific research.

You'll explore the role of chemistry in:

• drug design
• electronic properties of molecules and materials
• renewable energy technology (solar, batteries)
• nanoscience

You'll study organic, inorganic, physical and structural chemistry. You'll investigate modern analytical techniques and computational chemistry. You can create your own distinct learning experience at Newcastle. You'll explore your interests as you discover the subject.

Flexible degree structure

Our chemistry degrees share a common first year. This ensures that you develop a solid foundation in chemistry and its many forms.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Royal Society of Chemistry

This degree is professionally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. It fully meets the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. We also offer Chemistry (with Study Abroad) MChem Honours degree.

You spend Stage 3 studying chemistry at one of our partner institutions abroad. We have partners in:

• Europe
• North America
• Asia

The year abroad is assessed on the basis of a research project you conduct while overseas. You also take distance learning modules in advanced organic and inorganic chemistry.

You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

Industrial training year

We also offer Chemistry (with Industrial Training Year) MChem Honours degree. The placement takes place in Stage 3.

An industrial training year is a paid placement opportunity and a great chance for you to gain valuable work experience. If you impress your host company, it could even result in a job offer on graduation.

It's also an opportunity to build skills such as teamwork, communication and project management.

The placement year is assessed, and you'll complete a research project and distance learning modules in advanced organic and inorganic chemistry.

In the past students have found placements throughout the UK and, occasionally, overseas with companies including:

• Akzo Nobel
• AstraZeneca
• Corus
• GlaxoSmithKline
• P&G

A Global Top 125 university (QS World University Rankings 2023), Newcastle is home to 29,000 students from 140 countries.

A founding member of the Russell Group, we are one of only 19 universities in the world – and just three in the UK – to achieve a five-plus QS Star rating for overall excellence (2022).

We can trace our origins back to the School of Medicine and Surgery, established in 1834.

Today, we combine world-leading research with a world-class academic experience.

A global leader with strengths in ageing and health, data, energy, cities, and the creative arts, we’re pioneering solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing the world. In the UK’s Research Excellence Framework 2021, 42% of our research was scored as world-leading.

Through 5-star teaching (QS Stars 2022), we educate for life. Students are challenged and supported to learn from world-class experts across more than 185 undergraduate and 300 postgraduate degrees.

Student experience

Students are supported to reach their full potential by our Student Health and Wellbeing services that provide counselling, mental health, disability and specialist learning support, as well as financial support and faith and spirituality support.

We’ve developed an online Academic Skills Kit to support students in becoming effective independent learners.

Our Students' Union is at the heart of the Newcastle experience, offering more than 180 student-run societies and over 60 sports clubs.

A top student city

Multicultural, vibrant and friendly, Newcastle is the capital of North East England – the University’s city-centre campus is at its heart.

A global top 50 and UK top 10 student city, it’s also one of the most affordable in the UK (QS Best Student Cities, 2023).

Newcastle offers top-class sports, a vibrant arts scene, great shopping and exciting nightlife. It’s also close to beautiful countryside and award-winning beaches.